Context :

• Divya Kala Mela, a unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship of disabled entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country, is being organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Bengaluru from October 27 to November 5, 2023.

 Key Points:

• Around 100 artisans/artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities from around 20 States/UTs will be showcasing their products and skills in Bengaluru.
• Products will be displayed in the following broad categories:
• Home Decor & Lifestyle, Clothing, Stationary & Eco-Friendly Products, Packaged Food & Organic Products, Toys & Gifts, Personal Accessories - Jewellery, Clutch Bags Paintings etc.
• This will be an opportunity for everyone to adopt ‘Vocal for Local’.
• Apart from this, many cultural activities including performances by disabled artists and renowned professionals will also be organised in this fair.
• This is a unique initiative of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities towards the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.
• Divya Kala Mela, Bengaluru is the ninth fair in the series starting in 2022.
• These include – (i) Delhi, December 2022, (ii) Mumbai, February 2023, (iii) Bhopal, March 2023, (iv) Guwahati, May 2023 (V) Indore, June 2023 (Vi) Jaipur 29 June to 5 July 2023 (vii) Varanasi, September 15 to 24, 2023 (viii) Secunderabad, Hyderabad, October 6 to 15, 2023 (ix) Bengaluru, Karnataka, October 27 to November 5, 2023.
• It is noteworthy that this program will be organised in 12 cities during 2023-2024.

 Important Facts - 

• Government efforts made for the betterment of disabled people -
• Reservation for disabled people has been increased from 3% to 4% in government jobs and from 3% to 5% in higher education institutions.
• The types of disabilities have been increased from 7 to 21.

 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities' -

• ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ is celebrated every year on 3 December.
• This day was started in the year 1992 by ‘United Nations General Assembly’ resolution 47/3.

 Various government schemes for PwDs:

• Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan: Creating an accessible environment for persons with disabilities.
• Assistance to Persons with Disabilities Scheme (ADIP) for purchase/fitting of assistive devices/equipments.
• Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme.
• National Fellowship for disabled students.
• Specific Disability Identification Project.